Leaving home always comes with a mental checklist. In winter, that list gets longer — not because you’re anxious, but because cold weather adds variables you can’t ignore.
Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, a winter getaway, or spring break, this isn’t about over-preparing or turning travel into a production. It’s about doing a few practical things that let you lock the door, get on the road, and actually enjoy being gone without worrying about what’s happening back home.
Check the Forecast — for Home, Not Just Travel
Before you leave, check the weather where your house will be sitting.
Look beyond the daily high and low. Pay attention to overnight temperatures, snow accumulation, wind, and any extreme cold warnings. Knowing what conditions your house will experience while you’re away helps you decide whether to adjust the heat, leave lights on, or ask someone to check in.
Adjust the Thermostat for Absence, Not Comfort
Your house doesn’t need to feel cozy while you’re gone — it needs to stay stable.
Lower the thermostat slightly, but not so much that pipes become a concern. In cold climates, steady heat matters more than dramatic temperature drops, especially when no one is home to notice issues right away.
Do a Slow Walk-Through Before You Leave
Before locking the door, take a calm walk through the house.
Check that windows are fully closed, exterior doors are sealed, and anything that doesn’t need to be running is turned off. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about catching the obvious things while you still have time to fix them.
Think About Water With Winter in Mind
Water is one of the biggest risks when a house sits empty in cold weather.
Disconnect outside hoses, make sure faucets aren’t dripping, and confirm sinks and tubs are draining properly. If freezing has ever been an issue, leaving cabinet doors open under sinks can help warm air circulate while you’re away.
Prepare the Entryway Before You Leave
Even if no one will be coming and going, winter doesn’t stop.
Take a few minutes to set up the entryway so it can handle snow and moisture on its own. Adjust mats and boot trays so melting snow won’t pool or freeze. Clear anything that could get buried, iced over, or trap moisture while the house is empty.
A prepared entryway makes coming home easier — and helps prevent small winter messes from becoming bigger problems.
Plan for Coming Home, Not Just Leaving
One of the most overlooked steps is thinking about your return.
Clean sheets on the bed, a clear path from the door, and a soft light left on can make coming home after winter travel feel calm instead of overwhelming. These small details matter more than you expect when you arrive tired and cold.
Let Someone Know You’re Away
If you’ll be gone for more than a couple of days, let a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member know.
They don’t need a long list — just awareness. Winter issues are easier to handle when someone nearby knows the house is empty and can step in if needed.
The
Takeaway
Leaving your house in winter doesn’t have to feel stressful. A few intentional steps — paying attention to the weather, managing water risks, and preparing key areas like the entryway — help your home stay steady while you’re away, so you can lock the door, travel confidently, and come back without worrying about what you’ll find when you return.
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Cold-Weather Tools That Let You Check on Your House From Anywhere
(Especially helpful when you’re traveling out of state)
When your house is empty in winter, peace of mind often comes from being able to check in remotely — not guessing, not texting neighbors constantly, just knowing what’s happening.
These are the kinds of tools people naturally rely on because they connect directly to your phone.
Temperature & Freeze Monitoring
- Freeze alarms with phone alerts
These notify you if indoor temperatures drop toward pipe-freezing levels. Getting an alert while you’re traveling gives you time to act instead of finding out after damage happens. - Smart indoor temperature sensors
These allow you to monitor specific areas like basements, utility rooms, or near plumbing — all from an app. Especially useful if your thermostat isn’t located in a vulnerable spot. - Weather stations that sync to your phone
Seeing real-time outdoor conditions at your house (not a general forecast) helps you stop wondering whether things are worse than expected.
Water & Damage Monitoring
- Water leak sensors with mobile notifications
These sit under sinks, near water heaters, or on basement floors and alert you immediately if moisture is detected. - Smart water shutoff systems (if your home supports them)
For some homeowners, the ability to shut off water remotely offers real peace of mind during winter travel.
Entry, Access & Visual Check-Ins
- Doorbell or exterior cameras with phone apps
Not for hovering — just reassurance. You can check snow buildup, deliveries, or confirm someone stopped by to check the house. - Smart locks or app-based access systems
These make it easier for a trusted neighbor or family member to get in if needed without coordinating keys while you’re away.
Travel-Specific Resources
- Minnesota Road Conditions — 511mn.org
Real-time road conditions you can check on your phone before leaving and before heading home. - Utility outage alerts from your provider
Most utilities offer mobile alerts. Knowing about an outage while you’re away is far better than discovering it after the fact. - USPS Hold Mail
Easy to set up online and one less thing to worry about while you’re gone.